The New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce along with the Braunfels Foundation Trust announced that the Leadership New Braunfels class of 2026 has been selected with 30 business representatives making the roster. The 2026 class marks the 34th group of business and civic leaders to go through the program, which boasts an alumni association of more than 750.
Leadership New Braunfels strives to develop individuals to serve in leadership roles in their business careers and civic endeavors. Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet New Braunfels and Comal County leaders, build their leadership skills, and develop valuable relationships with their classmates.
The program consists of a series of one-day sessions, beginning in October, covering topics such as government, economic development, education, social needs, and other key segments of the community. Prior to the first program day, the class will participate in a Community Leaders Reception and a two-day, overnight retreat. In addition to attending the class days, participants will form teams to research a current economic or societal issue affecting New Braunfels and complete a research project detailing the topic.
Participation in the program requires a serious time commitment and participants are expected to adhere to a strict attendance policy. Upon meeting attendance and participation requirements, the class members will participate in a graduation ceremony in May 2026 and become alumni of the Leadership New Braunfels program.
Leadership New Braunfels 2026 Class Roster:
Erika Braune, Huddelston & Company
Kayla Brooks, Community Impact
Diane Cervenka, Communities In Schools - South Central Texas
Garrett Chubb, Pape-Dawson Engineers
Adrianna Citarella, New Braunfels ISD
Meredith Clark, HomeWell Care Services
Justin Cox, Winstead PC
Mike Crowley, New Braunfels Chamber
Ragan Dickens, New Braunfels Utilities
Julie Edwards, J Edwards Home Designs LLC
Sarah Flores, Brauntex Materials, Inc.
Osbaldo Flores, New Braunfels Police Department
Tony Gonzalez, City of New Braunfels
Whitney Hooper, Emboldened Entrepreneur
Frank Huybrechts, Retired
Stephanie Jameson, Sister Rivers Realty, LLC
Tyler Johnson, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
Marty Lenard, New Braunfels ISD
Ruy Lozano, New Braunfels Fire Department
Joe Martella, Joeris General Contractors
Rebecca Muehl, Edwards Jones
Tanya Pence, New Braunfels Chamber
Penny Pereboom, Penny Pereboom Coaching
Joseph Rankin, Sage Capital Bank
Roger Rodriguez, Comal Iron & Metals
Julie Strentzsch, Crisis Center of Comal County
Stacy Thigpen, Paddle TX
James Tipton, Southstar TX
Kristen Townsend, Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels
Gian Villarreal, Seagull PME